BY THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER
The Mayor of Arusha, Maximilian Iranqe, has described the death of veteran environmentalist Petro Paul Ahham, 64, as a big loss to Arusha and the country at large, saying his voice will be missed at a time when the world continues to confront many of the challenges he spent his life addressing.
The late Ahham, whose work influenced environmental policy, community development and governance for more than three decades, died in Arusha a fortnight ago, prompting tributes from colleagues and public officials in Tanzania and beyond. He was laid to rest at his home village in Karatu District on June 24.
Mayor Iranqe said Ahham had dedicated his life to issues that remain central to society, including environmental protection, sustainable development and community participation.
As Director of the Multi-Environmental Society (MESO) and Coordinator of the Arusha NGO Network (ANGONET), Ahham became one of the region’s respected voices on conservation, civic engagement and people-centred development.
Colleagues remembered him as a principled and forward-looking leader whose influence was felt from grassroots communities to regional and continental policy platforms.
“He was a rare blend of intellect and humility, whose integrity was unquestionable and whose vision was always years ahead of its time,” said Sirili Akko, a longtime colleague in Arusha.
Ahham studied at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Geography and Education. He later applied his scientific background to research and advocacy focused on the relationship between wildlife conservation, tourism and rural livelihoods in Tanzania’s Rift Valley.
His work contributed to several development initiatives, including the Monduli District Tourism Master Plan and participatory poverty assessments designed to give communities a stronger voice in planning and decision-making.
He was also a founding chairman of the East Africa Civil Society Organisations Forum (EACSOF), through which he helped promote collaboration among civil society organisations across the region.
A Catholic priest from Rwanda, Fr Baha Tango, said Ahham lived “a life of purpose”, adding that he challenged systems, uplifted communities and inspired change while leaving behind a legacy of integrity, curiosity and courage.
